He said the use of bumble bees could increase primary production and help secure jobs for Tasmanian farmers.

He added the bumble bee push was just two lines of a wider Budget response to the Treasurer.

This afternoon Ms Lambie said in a statement she never made any threats over the Budget.

“We also had discussions about trials of bumblebees for local primary producers and the contentious mushroom levy,” Ms Lambie said.

“I think we can reach a win-win solution for the federal government and the local Tasmanian companies.

“These issues were raised in a respectful manner with Mr Hockey. I made no threats to the budget.”

She added Liberal government actions have threatened the jobs of Tasmanian workers and the profitability of our businesses and there was nothing whats wrong with talking about these matters with the Treasurer of Australia.

And while the bee issue may have caused quite a buzz, it seems the Senator may have a good point about the humble insect’s use.

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